Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Source: Our Best Bites, via Ashlee Webster

Ingredients:

Cakes: 

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tbsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp ground ginger

1 c. oil

1 c. dark brown sugar

1 c. white sugar

3 c. pumpkin puree

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

Cream Cheese Filling:

1/2 c. butter

1 8-oz. package cream cheese

3 c. powdered sugar

3 tablespoons maple syrup or 1/2 - 1 tsp. maple extract

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Lightly spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside. 

3. In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, white sugar, and oil. Add the pumpkin puree and mix well. Add the vanilla and eggs and mix well. Slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until combined. 

4. Using a 1 tablespoon scoop or a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon, drop the batter onto a baking sheet (lined, if possible, but not necessary), leaving about 1" between the drops. Try to keep the batter as circular as possible. 

5. Bake for 10-14 minutes or until the tops are done and a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack. 

6. To prepare the filling, beat the butter on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maple, and vanilla and beat until combined. Transfer to a large Ziploc bag and cut 1/2" - 1" off the corner. 

7. Flip the cakes over on a flat surface. Squeeze about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per large whoopie pie (less if you used a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon) onto every other cake. Top each pie with the remaining cakes. Serve immediately if possible; otherwise, these can be refrigerated in an airtight container. Makes about 30 large whoopie pies. 

Notes: Once again, this treat was sampled at the Webster household and we nearly died. Prepare yourself, these are a calorie-laden celebration of autumn! So wonderful warm or cold!